RED DEER - Eight former members of Team Alberta’s U18 program have been invited by Hockey Canada to attend the 2017 Summer Strength & Conditioning Camp, which runs May 3-7 in Hamilton, Ontario.

Abigail Benning (St. Albert), Codie Cross (Airdrie), Jess Healey (Edmonton), and Abagael Thiessen (Red Deer) are among the 30 development players attending the camp. Mairead Bast (Red Deer) and Karly Heffernan (Sherwood Park) were invited to the camp, but are unable to attend.

Two members of the most recent Team Alberta U18 squad, Dara Greig (Lethbridge) and Courtney Kollman (Calgary) will attend the camp as part of the 50-player U18 camp roster.

The focus of the camp will be entirely on off-ice sessions, which include dryland training, fitness testing, and physical and mental preparation.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

RED DEER - NHL Central Scouting has released its midterm rankings for the 2018 NHL draft, with 16 Albertans on the list.

Former Team Alberta Captain Ty Smith (Spokane Chiefs, WHL) is the highest-ranked Albertan, coming in at 14. Jonathon Tychonikc (Penticton Vees, BCHL) also cracked the top 50, sitting at number 45.

The full list of Albertans appearing in the NHL Central Scouting midterm rankings can be found below:

Midterm Rank

Player

Position

Last Amateur Club

League

14

Ty Smith

Defence

Spokane Chiefs

WHL

45

Jonathon Tychonick

Defence

Penticton Vees

BCHL

62

Jacob Bernard-Docker

Defence

Okotoks Oilers

AJHL

72

Riley Sutter

Right Wing

Everett Silvertips

WHL

93

Eric Florchuk

Centre

Saskatoon Blades

WHL

97

Ryan Peckford

Left Wing

Moose Jaw Warriors

WHL

103

Chase Wouters

Centre

Saskatoon Blades

WHL

105

Sean Comrie

Defence

Spruce Grove Saints

AJHL

115

Maxwell Crozier

Defence

Nanaimo Clippers

BCHL

164

Cole Reinhardt

Left Wing

Brandon Wheat Kings

WHL

169

Brad Ginnell

Centre

Kootenay Ice

WHL

175

Josh Prokop

Centre

Vernon Vipers

BCHL

188

Reece Harsch

Defence

Seattle Thunderbirds

WHL

203

Jacob Herauf

Defence

Red Deer Rebels

WHL

208

Dylan Plouffe

Defence

Vancouver Giants

WHL

214

Austin Wong

Centre

Okotoks Oilers

WHL

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

CALGARY - Seven Albertans will head to Pyeongchang in February to help Canada earn its third straight Olympic gold medal in Men’s Hockey, as Hockey Canada announced its National Men’s Team roster on Thursday.

Ben Scrivens (Spruce Grove) is one of three goaltenders selected by Team Canada, and will be joined on Canada’s back end by defenders Mat Robinson (Calgary) and Karl Stollery (Camrose).

Team Canada opens its Olympic schedule on Thursday, February 15 at the Kwandong Hockey Centre in Gangneung, when it meets Switzerland in Group A. The gold-medal game is set to take place on February 25.

Alberta will also have representation on the female side at the Olympics, as goaltender Shannon Szabados (Edmonton) and defender Meaghan Mikkelson (St. Albert) were named to the Canada’s National Women’s team roster in December.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

RED DEER – As 2017 comes to a close, Hockey Alberta looks back on the year that was with some of our favourite moments (in no particular order).

Alberta Hockey Day - Why We Play

Photo credit: MT Actions Photography

Hockey Alberta held its inaugural Alberta Hockey Day on January 21 to celebrate and showcase female hockey across the province. This day combined a number of on and off-ice events catered to both new and existing participants, focusing on fun, skills and friendships.

Grande Prairie served as the host site of Alberta Hockey Day’s main event, with special guests in attendance, including two-time Olympic gold medallist and former Team Alberta player and coach Carla MacLeod. Additional Alberta Hockey Day celebrations were held across the province.

Alberta Hockey Day 2018 is set for January 20 in Westlock, Brooks, Paradise Valley, Strathmore, Red Deer and High Level, with a special focus on age-appropriate hockey.

Alberta Goalie Plan

Photo credit: Raw Impressions

Hockey Alberta unveiled its Provincial Goaltender Development Plan in February, to ensure that Alberta’s goaltenders, and their coaches, are properly equipped for the best performance possible in the specialized position.

The first step was to identify and recruit six Regional Goaltending Leads, who are strategically located around the province, and will work as part of Hockey Alberta’s Regional Centre network. Each Regional Goalie Lead will provide leadership and support to minor hockey associations and Regional Centre Consultants in implementing Hockey Alberta’s Goaltending Development Plan throughout their region.

All six Goaltending Leads attended Hockey Alberta’s 2017 Development Seminars in Sylvan Lake in June, where they took part in a weekend of training and strategizing on how to carry out Hockey Alberta’s Goaltender Development Plan throughout the Province.

In addition to the Development Seminars, Hockey Alberta held three Goaltender Development Camps in May and June; a North and South Goaltender Camp in Edmonton and Cochrane, and an Elite Goaltender Development Camp in Sylvan Lake.

In conjunction with the Provincial Championship tournament hosts in these communities, local schools hosted a number of fun activities, allowing students to learn about hockey, and the teamwork and friendships that can be generated in the sport.

In the annual "March to a title", 39 new champions were crowned across the province from Atom to Senior.

Alberta players, officials take the next step

Photo credit: Colorado Avalanche (YouTube)

2017 was another a banner year for Alberta players and officials, achieving a number of accolades and recognition.

The 2017 WHL Bantam Draft was once again a strong showing for Albertans, with 74 players from Alberta drafted, including Sherwood Park’s Kaiden Guhle and Wainwright’s Connor McLennan, who were drafted first and second overall, respectively. It was the third straight year a player from Alberta was drafted first overall. Click here for the full story >

At the 2017 NHL draft, 16 Albertans heard their names called by an NHL team. Calgary’s Cale Makar made history by becoming the highest drafted player out of the Alberta Junior Hockey League when the Colorado Avalanche selected him fourth overall. Click here for the full story >

Three Alberta officials took the next step in their careers in 2017, as Kyle Kowalksi (Edmonton), Colin Stefanyk (Red Deer), and Jordan Lightbrown (Medicine Hat) were selected to attend Hockey Canada’s Level Six Officiating Seminar in Moncton, New Brunswick. There are only about 80 level 6 officials registered in Canada each season, making this a very select group of top officials from across Canada.

Leading our leaders

Hockey Alberta took coach development to a new level in 2017, bringing back successful events such as the Coach Conference, Coach Speaker Series, and Coach of the Month program, while adding new programs such as the WHL and AJHL Game Day Coach Series, and Coach Development Seminars.

The WHL and AJHL Game Day Coach Series took place in various Western Hockey League and Alberta Junior Hockey League cities and towns across the province on a game night. The coaches in attendance were treated to a seminar from Hockey Alberta, as well as the opportunity to hear from the home and away team’s coaches, and to watch the game.

In June, Hockey Alberta’s Development team and Regional Centre Consultants hosted four streams of local minor hockey groups together in Sylvan Lake for Coach Development Seminars, with a goal of educating on the best practices to deliver the game locally. The four streams included Development Directors, Skill Coaches, Hockey Alberta’s Facilitators, and the Regional Goaltending Leads.

Albertans get the call to The Hall

Photo credit: LA Media

Five outstanding individuals, and perhaps one of the most celebrated families in all of hockey comprised the 2017 Induction Class for the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame (AHHF).

Mel Davidson, Bill Hay, Tony Kollman, Perry Pearn, Glen Sather, and the entire Sutter family were enshrined in Alberta’s hockey history on Sunday night at the AHHF Awards Gala, held at the Coast Hotel in Canmore. Click here for the full story >

Former Edmonton Oiler Ryan Smyth and the 1984/85 NAIT Ooks were inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, while Calgary Flames legend Lanny McDonald, already a member of the AHHF, Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, and Hockey Hall of Fame, was inducted into the Canada Sports Hall of Fame.

The Hockey Alberta Foundation’s Every Kid Every Community program took on a "hands-on" approach in 2017, taking to the ice in Red Deer with the Central Alberta Refugee Effort (CARE) for a learn-to-skate program, helping to teach new Canadians the fundamentals of hockey.

In addition to the on-ice instruction, the Foundation also provided equipment and apparel to the CARE program for all participants.

"The power of sport is its ability to change lives"

The power of sport was at the forefront as Catriona Le May Doan delivered the keynote address to kick off Hockey Alberta’s 2017 Hockey Conference and Annual General Meeting in late September in Red Deer.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist, and Olympic bronze medalist, shared stories of her journey, and the path that took her to the highest level of success an athlete can achieve.

"Those medals represent about two-and-a-half minutes of a 23-year journey. To me, success is about that entire journey," Le May Doan said of her three Olympic medals, which she brought with her to pass around the crowd. "The reason I was successful was because I didn’t burn out mentally.

Le May Doan also stressed the importance of being a multi-sport athlete, and focused on several examples of successful multi-sport athletes.

The Greigs: making Alberta hockey history

While members of the Greig family are no strangers to hockey accolades, brother and sister Ridly and Dara can now say they’ve made Hockey Alberta history.

With Ridly skating for Team Alberta’s U16 team at the 2017 WHL Cup, and Dara (for the second year) playing for the U18 squad at the 2017 U18 Nationals, the pair became the first brother and sister to play for Team Alberta at the same time.

Kicking off the Road to Red Deer

The Road to Red Deer officially kicked off in November, as Carla MacLeod and Serge Lajoie were announced as the head coaches of the Alberta squads competing in hockey at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer.

MacLeod is the head coach for the Team Alberta U18 Female team, and Lajoie is the head coach for the Team Alberta U16 Male team. Both have previous experience in the Canada Winter Games and Team Alberta programs. Bobby Fox will join Lajoie as the U16 Male team’s associate coach.

Competition at the Canada Winter Games runs February 14-23, 2019 for the Male squad, and February 23-March 2 for the Female squad.

Team Alberta vs Canada’s National Women’s Team

As they prepared for the 2017 WHL Cup, Team Alberta’s U16 Male squad had the rare opportunity to play against Canada’s National Women’s Team in Calgary, as part of Team Canada’s "Road to Pyeongchang".

Team Alberta and Team Canada battled in a modified special teams game, just two days before the WHL Cup kicked off, with Alberta skating away with a 9-4 win.

Hockey Gives Back

Alberta’s hockey community is always at its best during the holiday season, and we’ve asked Minor Hockey Associations and teams from across Alberta to share their stories of giving back to the community with us.

This year, we saw an overwhelming influx of stories, with teams across the province working to make their season just as successful off the ice.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

Alberta’s hockey community is always at its best during the holiday season, and we’ve asked Minor Hockey Associations and teams from across Alberta to share their stories of giving back to the community with us. If you would like to share your team’s story of giving back during the holidays, please email info@hockeyalberta.ca with details and photos.

Airdrie Midget Elite

The Airdrie Midget Elite team teamed up with the Airdrie Atom Female team to purchase turkeys to donate to the local food bank. They raised enough money to purchase 236 turkeys, well beyond their goal of 150.

The team also collected 150 jackets and hoodies to donate to those in need in their communities.

Barrhead Atom 1

The Barrhead Atom 1 team is helping to fight hunger this holiday season by collecting food donations for the local food bank, advertising in the local paper and on social media, and set up a food bank hamper at their local arena. They have also adopted a family from the local FCSS for Christmas, using their tournament proceeds money to purchase Christmas gifts and the Christmas meal for the family. The boys have also decided to hold a snow shovelling blitz and shovel driveways and sidewalks in our community for free.

Barrhead Midget Steelers

The Barrhead Midget Steelers have hosted a few events this season where they have given back to their community. In October, they honored their mothers and all women for Women’s Cancer month.In November, they donated the team’s proceeds from the 50/50 to the local FCSS Family Violence Prevention campaign. Lastly, they hosted a Toy Drive in December, and volunteered for the Food Bank and Santa’s Toy Box.

Beaumont Peewee 1 Braves

The Beaumont Peewee 1 Braves spent an evening volunteering their time at the Edmonton Mustard Seed.

Big Valley Bandits

The Big Valley Mites and Novice Bandits teams invited spectators and teams to bring food bank donations, as well as cash donations to a home game, filling the back of a truck with donations.

Blackfalds Midget

During the recent Midget tournament in Blackfalds, six local families were adopted, and received donations for everything they needed to have a Merry Christmas.

Central Alberta Peewee AA Selects

Chestermere Minor Hockey

The Chestermere Minor Hockey Association hosted a "Build it and They WIll Eat" structures challenge for the local food bank on Giving Tuesday (November 28).

Crowfoot Peewee 1 (Calgary)

The Crowfoot Peewee 1 team in Calgary gave back in two ways this holiday season. They volunteered their time to join the two Crowfoot Timbits teams on the ice, and they visited the Arbour Lake Senior Residence to play bean bag baseball, and host a happy hour cookie and ice cream party.

Drumheller Minor Hockey

Peewee, Bantam and Midget players from Drumheller took part in the Salvation Army’s annual community food drive, volunteering to pick up and sort the food collected for the local food bank.

Duchess Minor Hockey

Duchess Minor Hockey hosted "Hockey Weekend in Duchess" November 24-26. The weekend kicked off with a Teddy Bear Toss at the Midget game on Friday night, where the Novice team helped collect the bears off the ice to donate to the local Hospital, the Emergency Services Department, and the Women’s Shelter.

Throughout the rest of the weekend there was a “fill-the-net” food bank and toy donation bin, Santa selling 50/50 rickets, a raffle table full of donated items, as well as soups and baking to raise money for the Brooks Health Foundation Dialysis Machine and the Oncology Unit at the Calgary Children’s Hospital.

Edmonton Bantam Elite Pandas

The Edmonton Bantam Elite Pandas of the Alberta Female Hockey League volunteered as porters at the Santas Anonymous depot, spending several hours bring bags of toys to the drivers.

EGHA 690, BE888

EG690 decided to challenge BE888 from Beaumont to bring toys to a game to donate to Santas Anonymous.

EGHA 700 Peewee A Swarm

This year the EGHA 700 Pee Wee A Swarm participated in two events to give back to the community. On November 21, the Swarm went to the Edmonton Food Bank and sorted food donations. "The girls worked enthusiastically, for about two hours," said Head Coach Barry Benkendorf. "You could tell they knew they were doing something important. We also had a number of parents who participated. Everyone got to know each other a lot better, and came away from the event feeling good about themselves and their team."

The Swarm were also were invited to participate in a Teddy Bear toss by the NE 288 Hawks. "All the girls came with new Teddy Bears and were excited about scoring the first goal," said Benkendorf. "It was a lot of fun, and added excitement to a normal game. The girls came away feeling like they made a difference for Santas Anonymous and made someone’s Christmas better. These events are important to our team as first and foremost, playing hockey is not about the hockey. For our team it is about having fun, developing a work ethic, building self-confidence, and learning how to be good people. It is our hope that the experiences we give our players will help, in some small way, to make them successful for the rest of their lives."

EGHA 705 Vipers

For their last game of 2017, the EGHA 705 Vipers, along with their competitors, the NW290 Hawks, collected cans for the Edmonton Food Bank.

Foothills Bisons

All three Foothills Bisons teams (Peewee, Bantam and Midget) played in High River to benefit the long term care facility at the High River Hospital. All three teams donated prizes to a raffle table and a total of $1,933 was raised, as well as a few large baskets of groceries for the local food bank.

Hanna Minor Hockey

Hanna minor hockey association hosted a town wide food drive that included participation from all teams. Over two truck loads of groceries were collected for the local food bank.

High Level Peewee Northstars

The players placed small coin collection containers and posters at businesses around High Level and Rainbow Lake to raise money to purchase gifts for less fortunate families in the local communities. Once the coins were all collected and rolled, the team spent an afternoon shopping and then wrapping all the gifts. They were able to buy amazing gifts for everyone on their list, and still had over $2000 left over. The team decided to donate the rest of the money to the Christmas Food Hamper program and purchase grocery gift cards to help nearly 50 families.

Hinton Alstar Peewee Hornets

Lethbridge Val Matteotti Bantam AAA Goldenhawks

The Lethbridge Val Matteotti GoldenHawks Bantam AAA team took part in #snowballeffect2017 and raised $350 for Youth One, and $50 and a truck bed full of food for the local food bank

Lloydminster Pond Hockey

The Lloyd Pond Hockey program participated in a variety of activities which included preparing & serving food at the community supper evening for the Olive Tree at the Fred North building, as well as at the MOM’s group at Southridge Community Church. After supper, the Pond Hockey players helped build crafts with the kids and entertained them with a variety of fun activities in the gym while the moms received guidance services.

Lloydminster Peewee AA

The Lloydminster Peewee AA team attended Points West Assisted Living Facility to perform Christmas carols for the residents.

Lloydminster PWM Steelers

The Lloydminster PWM Midget AAA Steelers of the Alberta Female Hockey League provided a major boost to a local initiative called Project PJ, helping to collect new pajamas to donate to the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton.

Maple Leaf Athletic Club (Edmonton) Bantam AA

The Maple Leaf Athletic Club Bantam AA Team collected donations and built a gift basket for a specific homeless man in Edmonton. The team took the time to pick out some of his favourite things, including food and drinks, gift cards to restaurants for him to purchase meals and t-shirts that were specifically his size. Each of the members of the team wrote a personalized letter ot the man to brighten his spirits and wish him a happy holiday season.

Medicine Hat Atom B Knights and Flames

The Medicine Hat Atom B Knights and Flames spread Christmas cheer by hosting a Teddy Bear Toss, delivering 232lbs of food to the local food bank, and delivering the Teddy Bears to the Hospital.

Medicine Hat Atom Blackhawks and Wild

The Atom Blackhawks and Atom Wild teams from Medicine Hat hosted a Teddy Bear Toss on December 8. The players and their families were thrilled to gather teddy bears for the Medicine Hat & District Health Foundatio, with over 200 bears collected.

Medicine Hat Peewee AA Hounds

The Medicine Hat Peewee AA Hounds took part in the Salvation Army Christmas Kettles Campaign to help raise money for those in need this holiday season.

Medicine Hat Peewee Knights and Candiens

The Medicine Hat Minor Hockey Pee Wee Knights and Canadiens hosted a "WHL inspired" teddy bear toss game. Upon the first goal being scored, approximately 150 bears were thrown onto the ice by friends and families in the stands. These bears were gathered by both teams and on Sunday December 17, both teams met at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital and went around giving the bears to patients of all ages.

NAIT Ooks and MacEwan Griffins Mentorship Program with EGHA

The NAIT Ooks and MacEwan Griffins have started a mentorship program for both coaches and players with Edmonton Girls Hockey Association. Five or six NAIT and MacEwan players are assigned to each EGHA team involved (Atom and Peewee), and those players attend two-to-three practices with their assigned team. Both NAIT and MacEwan also hosted a one-night coach workshop, a goalie session, and team building with all teams in the age group (about 80 players and 18 coaches), as well as a facility tour.

Northwest Zone Peewee Raiders (Edmonton)

The Raiders teamed up with the Edmonton Police West Division and Grovenor School to raise over $1000 AND 1000 pounds of food for the Edmonton Food Bank. The Raiders held a bottle drive that raised $1092.00 and met up with EPS to fill a police car with food. All of this was then added to Grovenor’s Grade 3 Food Bank.

NW288 Peewee Hawks

The NW288 Peewee hosted a Teddy Bear Toss game with the aforementioned EGHA700 Swarm, collecting Teddy Bears and stuffed animals for the "Santas Anonymous" fundraiser put on by a local radio station.

"We thought that having our own Teddy Bear toss game with another team would be a great way to gather some items for 630 CHED’s Santas Anonymous," said Manager Lisa Scheu. "We contacted the EG700 team manager with the idea and they agreed immediately! Both teams invited friends and family to the game to join in the fun!"

"It was exciting to watch the teams battle to get that first goal and once it happened, the ’bears’ were thrown and both teams excitedly gathered them up," said Scheu. "Santas Anonymous was the recipient of six large bags of stuffed toys for boys and girls of all ages to be sent out this Christmas season! As our hockey club is smaller than most, we are lucky enough to have many of the same players year after year, so this was the third Teddy Bear Toss for many of our boys."

North Central Impact Midget Elite (Leduc)

The North Central Impact decided to play Santa’s helpers for a young girl in Thorsby. They secretly took her Christmas wish-list and purchased many of the items for her. She thought she was coming to watch her first every hockey game but was surprised when the team sang her Christmas carols and presented her with gifts from every player.

Okotoks Peewee AA Oilers

The Okotoks Oilers PeeWee AA Black team helped give back to the community by supporting the Calgary Mustard Seed. The players did a bottle drive in Okotoks to raise enough funds to pay for food and supplies to make over 300 bagged lunches for the Calgary Mustard Seed. The team made and delivered the lunches to the Mustard Seed and then also presented them with a cheque for $800 (the remaining funds left from the bottle drive).

Olds Bantam Elite Grizzlys

The Olds Bantam Elite Grizzlys of the Alberta Female Hockey League joined in on the Sherwood Park Royals’ "Fill the Net" fundraiser for the local food bank.

Olds Peewee AA Grizzlys

The Olds Peewee AA team split up into groups to purchase gifts for the Olds Christmas Angels. Each group chose a tag for a boy or girl in the community and purchased a gift for that child.

PAC Saints Midget 15AAA

The PAC Saints Midget 15 AAA team was proud to support coach Tyler Pennington in his quest to raise money to support men’s health issues during "Movember". The boys were challenged to donate to the cause (using their own money). Head coach Mike Leonhardt supported the cause further by agreeing to match all money raised by the team. The end result was $550 raised for the Movember Foundation.

Peace River Midget AA Royals

The annual Peace River Midget “AA” Royals “Fill the Net with Toys” toy drive took place in December, bringing in close to 100 pieces of toys for the local Salvation Army "Toys for Tots" campaign. An additional $425 was raised through a 50/50 draw, which was donated to the Salvation Army.

Red Deer Sutter Fund Midget AAA Chiefs

The Red Deer Sutter Fund Midget AAA Chiefs of the Alberta Female Hockey League hosted a "Fill the Net" food drive for the Red Deer Food Bank during a home game on December 2.

Rimbey Minor Hockey

Rimbey’s Nordstrom Dental Midget Renegades and The NAL Resources Atom A team recently held a food drive and canvassed door to door accepting donations for the local food bank. In just two short hours, the players raised 1073lbs of food and $1,074 in cash donations for the Christmas Food Hamper Program.

Sexsmith Minor Hockey

Sexsmith Minor Hockey Association participated in a “reverse Santa Parade”. Some members of the Atom A and Peewee B teams, along with Coaches went door to door collecting food and toy donations for the local FCSS food bank.

Sherwood Park Atom AA Arrows

The Sherwood Park Atom AA Arrows donated their time to help out at the Strathcona County Food Bank.

Sherwood Park Midget Elite Fury

The Sherwood Park Midget Elite Fury of the Alberta Female Hockey League, along with other Sherwood Park Kings Athletic Club teams, collected dozens of bags and hundreds of pounds of food with their "Fill the Net" initiative at the annual "Kings Day" on December 2.

"Since Steve Mancini started coaching the (Fury), his players and he have “given back”, especially with three years of a weakened economy in Alberta," said Manager Jeff Markowski. "Despite the Strathcona County area being relatively stable, many families are overcome by unemployment, abuse, and medical/health issues that disable their lives in unseen ways. Our local Bureaus and helping agencies are seeing fewer donors and funds come there way with each passing season."

"This season the Fury players and staff spent an evening at the local Christmas Bureau, finding and wrapping gifts and collecting food for those that would go without," said Markowski. "Just over 30 families this year will be able to enjoy the their upcoming Holidays with a bit less stress on their minds, a few gifts of kindness, and food in their stomachs. Great giving Fury, and thanks for being the terrific young people you are!"

Spruce Grove PAC AA Timberwolves/PAC Saints Bantam AAA

The PAC Bantam AA Timberwolves delivered nearly 400 fliers for the Spruce Grove Kinettes’ Christmas hamper program prior to one of their home games. The Spruce Grove PAC Saints Bantam AAA team did the same for the Spruce Grove Kinettes on November 22.

St. Albert Atom Hawks

The St. Albert Atom Knights collected 100 pounds of food and sorted 1000 pounds of food at the local food bank.

St. Albert Peewee A Steel

The St. Albert Peewee A Steel volunteered their time at the St. Albert Food Bank to prepare 200 bags of soup for families in need.

St. Alberta Peewee Spitfires

St Albert’s Peewee SA763 "Spitfires" constructed a tower of food bank donations for the Wainwright Food Bank while at a tournament.

St. Albert Peewee Crunch

The St. Albert Peewee Crunch were one of many teams who supported the St. Albert Kinettes this holiday season. The Crunch participated in the 12 Days of Christmas challenge, where each player collected food to fill a hamper in order to provide a family in need with a variety of meals, one type of food item per day. Each player also included a toy, something that he would like to receive on Christmas morning. Finally, the team, along with many parents, spent time helping to sort through and organize donated items at the Kinettes’ warehouse.

Sturgeon Peewee AA Sting

The Sturgeon Peewee AA Sting have collected and donated to local charities this year. The Sting gifted over 700lbs of food in February and this October, and more than 400 lbs of clothing. They also hosted a community celebration of hockey at the recent Sturgeon Sting Peewee AA Outdoor Classic game; an NAHL league game vs Ft. St. John.

Wainwright Racks-Oilfield Bantam

The Wainright Racks-Oilfield Bantam team visited the Wainwright Battle River Lodge. The evening was filled with games (snowball hockey), cookies, juice and also we helped celebrate one the of the residents 93rd birthday.

West Central Tigers

During a game against the Bow Valley Timberwolves, the West Central Tigers held a Christmas food drive for the food banks in Rimbey, Rocky Mountain House, Eckville, Spruceview and Sylvan Lake communities.

Westlock Midget

The Westlock Midget team went shopping for the two families they chose to sponsor through Santas Anonymous, with proceeds from the annual Gord Smith Memorial tournament they host each December.

Hockey Alberta is proud to celebrate the second annual Alberta Hockey Day across the province.

The theme for the 2018 edition of Alberta Hockey Day is age-appropriate hockey, and the importance of using cross-ice or half-ice surfaces at the Initiation and Novice levels.

Alberta Hockey Day is being hosted in six locations – Brooks, High Level, Paradise Valley, Red Deer, Strathmore and Westlock

Fun and interactive on-ice activities are scheduled throughout the day, with special skills development clinics and other events, along with a variety of off-ice sessions and seminars for players, coaches and parents. All events are designed for both new and existing participants in our great sport with a focus on fun, skills and friendships.

Activities in some locations require pre-registration, while others are open on a drop-in basis. Check back regularly, as activities for each location are being updated regularly as details are confirmed.

For the current information on Alberta Hockey Day activities in your area, check hockeyalberta.ca

Defenders Codie Cross (Airdrie) and Jess Healey (Edmonton) will help Team Canada go for gold this year at the annual tournament. Cross played for Team Alberta three times: twice at the National Women’s Under 18 Championships in 2013 and 2015, as well as the Canada Winter Games in 2015, while Healey skated for Team Alberta in 2012 and 2013 at the U18 Nationals.

A pair of Albertans will also be a part of the team’s coaching staff for the 2018 Nations Cup, including former Team Alberta player and coach Carla MacLeod (Calgary), who was recently selected as the Head Coach of Team Alberta’s U18 Female squad for the 2019 Canada Winter Games. Joining MacLeod on staff will be Video Coach Adam Tresoor (Calgary).

The 2018 Nations Cup runs January 3-6 in Füssen, Germany.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

Hart, Bean, Clague and Dube were all a part of Canada’s silver medal-winning team in 2017, while Steel was a camp invite last year as well.

The 2018 World Junior Hockey Championship runs December 26 - January 5 in Buffalo, New York.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

Defencemen Jacob Bernard-Docker, Jarrod Gourley, T.J. Lloyd and Jonny Tychonick, along with forward Dylan Holloway (Bragg Creek), are among the 22 players who will compete in the WJAC with Team Canada West.

Albertans Rick Swan and Jamie McCaig, both Assistant Coaches, will be part of Canada West’s coaching staff.

The players were selected from the Canadian Junior Hockey League’s five western Junior A leagues: the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), and Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL).

The 2017 World Junior A Challenge runs December 10-16 in Truro, Nova Scotia.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

Project PJ was started by 12 year-old Olivia Brockhoff in 2015, after a friend of her sister, who was going through cancer treatment at the Stollery Children’s Hospital, complained about the pajamas provided to her by the hospital. Now, every year, Olivia collects donations of pajamas to give to the hospital.

Tanya Plamondon, whose daughter plays for the Steelers, brought the idea to the Midget AAA team, and it snowballed from there.

"I’ve known Olivia and her parents for a long time, and I’ve been donating pajamas since she started (Project PJ)," said Tanya. "I wanted our team to do something big this season, so I mentioned it to (Head Coach) Randy (Laumbach), and we went from there. It worked out awesome since we had six home games to collect the pajamas in November, and we collected 89 pairs our first game through all us and our fans. The following weekend, we had the Calgary Fire and Edmonton Pandas accept our challenge to them, which was all in good fun, and the response was great. We also had the Rocky Mountain Raiders accept our challenge."

The Fire, Pandas and Raiders collected a combined 140 pairs of pajamas. The captain of last year’s Steelers team, Tessa Mitchell, also challenged her current team, the MacEwan Griffins, to join the cause, adding another 125 pairs of pajamas to the team’s total, which were presented to the team on November 25, with Mitchell conducting the ceremonial faceoff.

After an incredibly successful campaign for Project PJ, the Steelers managed to collect an astounding 513 pairs of pajamas, which were presented to Olivia during the team’s game on November 26.

As of December 1, Olivia has collected over 1000 pairs of Pajamas through Project PJ, all of which will be donated to the Stollery Children’s Hospital.

Hockey Gives Back - We want to hear from you!

Hockey Alberta would like to showcase all of the hockey teams across Alberta who give back to their community this holiday season. Send your team’s story, along with photos, to info@hockeyalberta.ca to be featured on Hockey Alberta’s website.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

On defence, Alberta will be represented at the camp by Jacob Bernard-Docker (Canmore), Sean Comrie (Edmonton), Jarrod Gourley (Calgary), TJ Lloyd (Lloydminster) and Jonny Tychonick (Calgary/Penticton). Hunter Virostek (Turner Valley) is one of six goaltenders vying for a spot on Team Canada West.

Bonnyville Pontiacs’ Head Coach and General Manager, Rick Swan (Edmonton), will serve as an Assistant Coach for Team Canada West, after serving as Canada West’s Video Coach in 2016.

The Canada west hopefuls will assemble in Calgary December 2-5 for four days of practices and games as part of the Team Canada West selection camp at the Markin MacPhail Centre at Winsport. The players were selected from the Canadian Junior Hockey League’s five western Junior A leagues: the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), and Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL).

The 2017 World Junior A Challenge Runs December 10-16 in Truro, Nova Scotia.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

RED DEER – While members of the Greig family are no strangers to hockey accolades, brother and sister Ridly and Dara can now say they’ve made Hockey Alberta history.

With Ridly skating for Team Alberta’s U16 team at the 2017 WHL Cup, and Dara (for the second year) playing for the U18 squad at the 2017 U18 Nationals, the pair became the first brother and sister to play for Team Alberta at the same time.

“It’s been neat to share the Hockey Alberta process together, and to share and trade stories throughout the process,” said Dara. “It’s really cool to learn that we are the first brother and sister to represent Alberta in the same year, it’s something we can share for a lifetime.”

“I’ve enjoyed that Dara and I can talk about the experiences we’ve (both) had in making Team Alberta,” said Ridly. “To know that we are the first brother and sister to represent (Alberta) has been awesome.”

The apple apparently doesn’t fall far from the tree, as Ridly and Dara’s father, Mark, is a former professional hockey player. Drafted 15th overall by the Hartford Whalers in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft, the former WHL standout is a veteran of over 1000 games as a pro, including 125 in the NHL.

“What a great honour for them to both have the opportunity, and be fortunate enough to make the teams,” said Mark. “They’ve talked about that in the past that they may have the experience together, and (we) feel pretty fortunate that it came true.”

With Dara already going through the Team Alberta process in 2016, Ridly was able to lean on his older sister and draw from her experience during his journey to the WHL Cup.

“The best advice Dara has given me regarding the Team Alberta process was the make sure I was prepared physically and mentally for all of the camps, prior to being selected.”

Prior to Ridly and Dara both being named to their respective Team Alberta rosters, the Greigs experienced another memorable hockey moment when Ridly won the 2017 Alberta Cup with Team South, exactly 30 years after Mark won the 1987 Alberta Cup with Calgary North.

“It’s great that years and years later, after I had such a wonderful experience, that this Hockey Alberta program is still going strong, and providing these experiences for the kids,” said Mark.

Ridly and Team Alberta narrowly missed out on a gold medal at the WHL Cup in October, losing 3-2 to Team BC in overtime. Meanwhile, Dara will be playing in the fifth-place game on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the U18 Nationals in Quebec, after Team Alberta finished round-robin play with a 1-2 record.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

The 66 players will be divided into three teams representing Team Canada Black, Team Canada Red, and Team Canada White when they compete against the Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, Sweden, and the United States in their quest for a gold medal.

In July, 111 players were invited to the week-long national under-17 development camp, marking the first step in Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence.

The tournament opens Nov. 5 at the Encana Events Centre in an all-Canadian affair as last year’s silver-medallist, Team Canada Black, takes on Team Canada White at 2:30 p.m. The opening day concludes with Sweden facing Russia at North Peace Arena in Fort St. John.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

RED DEER - Alberta will be very well-represented during the 2017 CIBC Canada Russia Series, with 12 Albertans named to Team WHL’s roster.

On Tuesday, the Western Hockey League, in collaboration with the Canadian Hockey League, Moose Jaw Warriors, Swift Current Broncos and Hockey Canada, announced today the roster for Team WHL, which will compete against Team Russia in the 2017 CIBC Canada Russia Series.

Team WHL will face Team Russia in Game 1 of the 2017 CIBC Canada Russia Series in Moose Jaw on Monday, November 6, before continuing on to Swift Current for Game 2 on Tuesday, November 7. The Ontario Hockey League will host Games 3 and 4, while the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League will welcome the festivities surrounding Games 5 and 6.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta and the Officials Committee are pleased to announce three officials have been selected to attend the Hockey Canada Level Six officiating seminar in Moncton, New Brunswick on Novemer 22-26.

Kyle Kowalski (Edmonton), Colin Stefanyk (Red Deer), and Jordan Lightbown (Medicine Hat) will be attending this event, which is the highest level in the officiating program in Canada.

There are only about 80 level 6 officials registered in Canada each season, making this a very select group of top officials from across Canada.

Hockey Alberta and the Officials Committee would like to congratulate each official on their selection.

Defender Taryn Baumgardt (Innisfail) was the first Albertan off the board, taken fifth overall by the Calgary Inferno. Goaltender Robyn Chemago (Slave Lake) was selected three picks later, eighth overall by the Boston Blades, while the Inferno used its next pick, 12th overall, on another Albertan, defender Kelly Murray (Calgary).

Cassidy Delainey (Edmonton) was the next Albertan chosen, as the Toronto Furies selected the left-winger 37th overall. The Calgary Inferno continued the trend with its 61st and 87th picks, selecting left-winger Kennedy Brown (Okotoks) and right-winger Krista Wilson (Olds), respectively.

Baumgardt, Chemago, Murray, and Brown have all represented Team Alberta at the U18 level; Baumgardt three times, Chemago and Murray twice, and Brown once. Brown is also the first graduate of the Alberta Female Hockey League to be drafted into the CWHL, having played for the Rocky Mountain Raiders (Midget AAA) during the league’s inaugural season in 2016-17.

Delainey and Wilson have both coached at the Alberta Challenge, and Delainey was the Head Coach, and Wilson the Assistant Coach of the Olds Grizzlys (Bantam Elite) of the AFHL during the 2016-17 season.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

Former Team Alberta Coaches Carla MacLeod (Calgary) and Adam Tresoor (Edmonton) will also be in attendance, as both were recently named to the Development Team’s staff.

Both camps are part of the Hockey Canada National Teams’ Summer Showcase, and run August 5-13 at the Markin MacPhail Centre at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park in Calgary.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

RED DEER - In what many are calling a long over-due honour, Clare Drake is finally headed to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

The legendary University of Alberta coach will join Dave Andreychuck, Danielle Goyette, Jeremy Jacobs, Paul Kariya, Mark Recchi, and Teemu Selanne as the Class of 2017.

Originally from Saskatchewan, Drake moved to Edmonton following his graduation from the University of British Columbia in the early 1950’s. He played one season of hockey with the University of Alberta Golden Bears, and earned a Bachelor of Education Degree there. Drake then completed his Master of Science degree at the University of Washington, and continued on to the University of Oregon.

Drake returned to Edmonton as a teacher, and in 1955, he joined the Golden Bears as interim Head Coach, winning his first league championship. He was named the full-time Head Coach in 1958, a post he held for 28 season, amassing 697 wins, 17 Canada West titles, and six national championships behind the bench. Popularly-known as "the dean of coaching", Drake is the only university coach to win a national championship in both hockey and football in the same year, a feat he accomplished in 1967.

In the inaugural Canada Winter Games in 1967, Drake led the Golden Bears, who represented Team Alberta, to a gold medal.

Drake also coached the Edmonton Oilers during the 1975-76 World Hockey Association season, served as an Assistant Coach with the Winnipeg Jets in 1989-90, and worked with the Dallas Stars during the 2001 Stanley Cup playoffs. Internationally, Drake was the co-coach of the 1980 Canadian Olympic Hockey team, and the mentor coach for Canada’s National Women’s Team leading up to the 1998 Winter Olympics.

Drake was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 1989, the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006, and had the University of Alberta’s hockey rink, formerly the Varsity Arena, named after him.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

CALGARY - Six netminders will be among the 30 attending Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence goaltending Camp, which runs June 9-11 in Calgary.

Carter Hart (Sherwood Park), Ian Scott (Calgary), and Stuart Skinner (Edmonton) will take part at the Under-20 level, Carl Stankowski (Calgary) at the Under-18 level, while Byron Fancy (Claresholm) and Taylor Gauthier (Calgary) will attend the Under-17 development camp.

The weekend-long camp brings together some of the country’s top goaltending talent with elite-level instructors from across North America. The camp is the initial evaluation stage for summer development and selection camps in the under-17, under-18 and under-20 levels.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

RED DEER – While it’s a common sight every winter to see outdoor rinks across Canada full of youngsters learning to skate, you’ll also see the odd adult hitting the ice for the very first time.

Although admittedly “late to the party”, Duane Moleni took the opportunity this past winter to embrace Canada’s pastime. Originally from New Zealand, he moved to Canada 11 years ago, but only decided to learn to skate this year.

“Peer pressure,” Moleni said of his motivation to take up hockey. “When you’re in a country like Canada, and hockey’s a national sport, I think I’d being doing a disservice to myself if I didn’t come out and try to at least learn to skate. Winter in most parts of this country is six-plus months long, so I’d go crazy if I didn’t come out and do this.”

Moleni works with the Central Alberta Refugee Effort (C.A.R.E.), which hosted the Learn to Skate in Red Deer, an initiative the Hockey Alberta Foundation partnered to help deliver. The Learn to Skate program ran Saturdays during the winter at an outdoor community rink, offering New Canadians of all skill levels a chance to play hockey, or learn the basics of the game.

“It’s fantastic, the facility and the ice is fantastic, as is the support from the Hockey Alberta Foundation,” Moleni said. “You’ve got kids playing hockey, and you’ve got kids who are learning to skate working with coaches as well, which is where I’m at. It’s fantastic, just little techniques that when I first started learning how to skate, I had no idea, and no one showed me what to do or gave me any tips, so it’s just helping me get that confidence to keep going and try and a little bit harder, and do a little bit more, and lo and behold, I’ll be doing a toe-pick triple-axle in no time.”

A former Rugby player, Moleni said the concept of hockey is something he’s still learning, even after living in Canada for more than ten years.

“It blows my mind that in this sport, you can go crazy fast on a surface like ice, with steel blades that are miniscule, and you make it look effortless," he said. "Then you throw in a puck and stick-handling, and navigating through players that are out there that are allowed to hit you, it blows my mind, that’s why I love the sport.”

After more than a decade of watching the sport, Moleni can pinpoint his love of the sport to one source – one of the hardest-hitting, toughest hockey players of all-time.

“When I first started watching the sport, Scott Stevens was (my idol), he was awesome," Moleni said. "He’s big, he’s strong, skates really well obviously, but the guy was just physically dominant. That’s not what hockey’s about, and hockey has changed since then.”

Moleni’s determination and attitude caught the attention of many at the rink, especially the people who were helping him.

"Duane is one of the big reasons why we had so much fun working with the C.A.R.E. program this winter," said Tim Leer, the Hockey Albert Foundation’s Executive Director. "Although we were there as part of the Every Kid Every Community program, Duane proved that it’s never too late to learn how to play."

With a full season on the ice now under his belt, Moleni said he’ll continue to work on his skating and skills, and without a doubt will be found out on the ice once again every Saturday this coming winter.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

Goaltender Shannon Szabados (Edmonton) and Defender Meaghan Mikkelson (St. Albert) were both selected as players. Melody Davidson, James Emery (Calgary), Brad Kirkwood (Calgary), and Christine Atkins (Fort Mcleod) are all a part of the team staff.

Szabados, Mikkelson, and 26 other players will be centralized in Calgary throughout the 2017-18 season in preparation for the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea.

Emerance Maschmeyer (Bruderheim) is one of two alternate goaltenders who will be available to support the centralization roster throughout the 2017-18 season but will remain with their club teams.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

OLDS - While many players at the Alberta Challenge and Alberta Cup are following in the footsteps of their older siblings, it’s not often two can share the experience at the same time.

Twins Ali and A.J. Macaulay have the rare opportunity to watch eachother compete against the best in the province.

Ali is currently competing with North Yellow at the Alberta Challenge, while A.J. skated with Northeast just a week prior at the Alberta Cup.

The two spoke about their sibling rivalry, and how they’ve leaned on eachother throughout the experience.

For more scores, stats and stories from the 2017 Alberta Cup, click here.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

OLDS - The Alberta Challenge is not only a great opportunity for players to develop, but trainers as well. Every year, a Mentor Trainer is in place at the competition to oversee each Team Trainer, and help guide them through the process.

This year’s Mentor Trainer, Dave Campbell, discusses the importance of the Trainer program and how it’s helped him grow as a Trainer.

For more scores, stats and stories from the 2017 Alberta Challenge, click here.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

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Team Alberta U18 Head Coach Craig Perrett, who is also serving as a Coach Mentor at the 2017 Alberta Challenge, will be just the third coach to serve on both the male and female sides of the Team Alberta program.

OLDS - While many coaches have had the opportunity to be a part of the Team Alberta program over the years, 2017 Team Alberta U18 Female Head Coach Craig Perrett will be just the third to do so on both the male and female side.

Perrett, who is also serving as a Mentor at the 2017 Alberta Challenge, was an Assistant Coach with Team Alberta’s gold medal winning U16 Male team in 2015, and has spent many years with the Team Alberta program in various roles, most recently serving as a Coach Mentor at the Alberta Cup and Alberta Winter Games.

Now, as he makes the transition from the male side to the female side of the program, Perrett has already noticed the differences and similarities between the two, and says he’s looking forward to the new challenge.

For more scores, stats and stories from the 2017 Alberta Challenge, click here.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

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Former Team Alberta player Channia Alexander (right) and her mom, Val, will be going head-to-head this weekend as Directors of Operations at the 2017 Alberta Challenge.

OLDS - Although Val Alexander’s team will be competing against her daughter Channia’s team at the 2017 Alberta Challenge, the mother-daughter duo are enjoying the experience together.

It’s Val’s third Alberta Challenge as a Director of Operations, this year with South Black, while Channia, the Director of Operations for North Grey, is volunteering with the Challenge for the first time.

Both Channia and Val are excited to give back to the Team Alberta program, and provide the same experience they both received while Channia was coming up through the program.

For more scores, stats and stories from the 2017 Alberta Challenge, click here.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

For the third straight year, an Albertan has been selected first overall at the 2017 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft. In total, 74 players from Alberta were drafted, one more than in 2016.

2017 Alberta Cup All-Star Kaiden Guhle (Sherwood Park) was the top pick in the draft, going to the Prince Albert Raiders. Connor McLennan (Wainwright) was selected right after by the Kootenay Ice, giving Alberta yet another 1-2 punch at the draft.Another Alberta Cup All-Star, Garin Bjorklund (Calgary), was the first goaltender taken in the draft, going 21st overall to the Medicine Hat Tigers.

Seven Albertans went in the top 10 picks, and 11 player were selected in the first round, the most of the four Western provinces.

Fourty of the players drafted are forwards, 25 are defence, and nine are goaltenders.

CANMORE - A trio of former NHL players can be found in the stands in Canmore this weekend, watching their sons play in the 2017 Alberta Cup.

Geoff Sanderson, Brendan Morrison, and Mark Greig all have the opportunity to cheer on their sons Jake, Brayden and Ridly, as they compete for the Alberta Cup with Team South.

For Greig, the tournament is a blast from the past, as he won the 1987 Alberta Cup with Calgary North. Now, 30 years later, he’s in the stands, hoping his son Ridly can do the same.

Sanderson’s older son, Benjamin, also played in the Alberta Cup in 2015. Greig’s daughter, Dara, played for Team Alberta’s U18 Female team in 2016.

For more scores, stats and stories from the 2017 Alberta Cup, click here.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

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Edmonton Yellow defenceman Luke Prokop is one of four athletes playing in the Alberta Cup whose brother played in Team Alberta’s U16 program.

Not only did the four older brothers play in the Alberta Cup - they all went on to play for Team Alberta’s U16 team: Brendan in 2012, Skyler in 2013, and both Paycen and Josh in 2015. All four won gold at the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup in their respective years.

For Peyton, Garin, Kaiden and Luke, they’re all looking forward to following in their brothers’ footsteps, and hope to use their experiences to make the next step in the Team Alberta program.

For more scores, stats and stories from the 2017 Alberta Cup, click here.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

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Joe Hawkins (Edmonton Blue), a 2015 Peewee Prospects Cup champion with Edmonton Green, looks back on his experience in 2015 and how it helped prepare him for the Alberta Cup

For more scores, stats and stories from the 2017 Alberta Cup, click here.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

The Leduc Chrysler Oil Kings are about to begin their quest for the Telus Cup. But, the road to Prince George was anything but easy for the Midget AAA team. The Oil Kings finished third in the Alberta AAA Midget Hockey League season with a 14-15-5 record. From there, the team went on an impressive run through the AMHL Playoffs, claiming the Midget AAA Provincial Championship. They now find themselves ready to compete for a national title.

Ahead of the Telus Cup, Oil Kings Assistant Coaches Darin Wood and Colby McClachlan penned the following letter about their team of destiny:

The Leduc Chrysler Oil Kings aren’t your typical Cinderella story.

Expectations were high coming out of the gates with new coaching staff, four returning players, and a very well-rounded batch of incoming players.

With a tough schedule to begin the season, they got off to a mediocre start, playing to a 4-6-0 record in the first month. Goals were hard to come by, and under new systems and philosophies, there was a sharp learning curve to adjust to. Adding to the adversity, Carson Lux (one of four returning players, and team Captain at the time) got the call to take the step up to Drayton Valley in the AJHL.

November was more of the same, with offensive woes being the story, and the team’s record fell to 6-10-1. But the month was not without its ups, with Dillon Hamaliuk returning to the team after a late roster move by Seattle in the Western Hockey League. With the Macs Midget AAA tournament in Calgary looming, and with a goal that was set early in the year to play in the Macs, December was a turning point in the season. The Oil Kings started finding their stride.

Improving to a 3-1-2 record for the month (9-11-3 for the season), and boosting their offensive efforts, they solidified their place in the Macs.

With the Macs Tournament being a goal early on, the Oil Kings knew the competition was stiff and they had to raise their level of play. Great leadership and the close-knit nature of the club helped guide them to a 2-1-1 record in the tournament, narrowly missing the playoff rounds. But, a disappointing result for a very well-played tournament didn’t hinder the resilient group heading into the home stretch of the season, and with a newfound belief in the ability of the team and its potential, the Oil Kings finished the season 5-4-2 (14-15-5 overall), good enough for third place in the North Division.

The preliminary round of the playoffs was a hard-fought battle with the MLAC Beverly Optimists, where both games ended with a one goal differential, one of which was in overtime. A well-balanced attack, and a solid penalty kill was the story in the series, with 11 different players finding the score sheet, and going a perfect 9-for-9 shorthanded. Breydon Berthold led the way with two goals, including the series-winner.

The early series sweep added a lot of confidence to the group as they moved into the second round against the St. Albert Tire Warehouse Raiders. A typical second-seed vs. third-seed battle, the series took all five games to decide, with four one-goal games, two of which went into extra frames.

Exceptional resiliency (all three wins were come-from-behind) and penalty killing was once again the story for the series, allowing only one goal on 17 attempts, and adding a shorthanded marker. This set the stage for the North Division final against the top-seeded Sherwood Park Kings. A hard fought series from the start, which ended in two of three games requiring extra time, saw Easton Hesse assert himself as the leading playoff goaltender, stopping 113 shots in the three-game series, including a 49-save effort in the double-overtime game two. Once again the penalty kill group went a perfect 11-for-11 in the series, en route to a three-game sweep.

Heading into the provincial finals against the CFR Chemicals Bisons, it was clear that this team started seeing themselves as a force to be reckoned with, and with two key injuries on the blueline, they were put to the test. With a game one victory thanks to another 24 save performance by Hesse, and a perfect 4-for-4 penalty kill night, the series came home to Leduc with the Oil Kings up one game to none. Three lead changes, eight different goal-scorers, and another 3-for-3 penalty killing performance later, the Oil Kings found themselves in their sixth overtime game of the playoffs. Tyler Smithies buried his fifth goal of the playoffs, and Brendan Morrow went 100% in the faceoff dot to give LJAC a commanding 2-0 series lead.

Game three was nothing short of spectacular, as both teams exchanged prime scoring chances, and exceptional goaltending. The game went into overtime for the second time in a row, and seventh time in the playoffs for the Oil Kings. A phenomenal slap pass/deflection goal kept the Bisons alive, and for the first time, the Oil Kings had a chance to lock up a series at home. LJAC made history March 26, as they clinched game 4 in front of family and friends.

Their heart, evident by a 5-2 record in overtime, an earth-shattering seven wins coming from behind, and 98% penalty kill effort was the difference in the post season, which saw them go 11-3 overall. Even with their backs up against the wall, they stayed positive, focused, and poised. They played for each other, were accountable to each other, and never gave up on anyone wearing the crest. Other teams may have walked into the dressing room going into overtime exhausted, and sore, and used that as an excuse to shed 1% of their effort, but not this group. Some may have used a heartbreaking overtime loss as an excuse to point a finger in blame, or try and change the game plan. But not this group. Stats aside, it took 23 players to win the league. 23 unwavering efforts. 23 hearts and 23 souls. Some call it a “Cinderella Story”. The LJAC Oil Kings call it hockey.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

RED DEER – NHL Central Scouting has released its final rankings for the 2017 NHL draft, with a number of Albertans making a jump from the midterm rankings.

CaleMakar (Brooks Bandits, AJHL) remains the highest-ranked Albertan, moving up to number nine among North American skaters. Jaret-Anderson Dolan (Spokane Chiefs, WHL) jumped up 19 spots to 21, while Ian Mitchell (Spruce Grove Saints, AJHL) moved from 45 to 35. Two Albertans, Dakota Krebs (Tri-City Americans, WHL) and Skyler McKenzie (Portland Winterhawks, WHL), made their way on to the list after not being included in the midterm rankings, sitting at 153 and 176, respectively.

A total of 20 Albertans made NHL Central Scouting’s final list of top-ranked North American skaters, while four netminders are among the top 31 North American goaltenders, with Ian Scott (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL) leading the way as the third highest-ranked goaltender. Stuart Skinner (Lethbridge Hurricanes, WHL) saw his draft stock increase, improving from ninth to fifth in the goalie rankings.

The full list of Albertans appearing in the NHL Central Scouting midterm rankings can be found below:

North American Skaters

Final Rank

Midterm Rank

Player

Position

Last Amateur Club

League

9

10

CaleMakar

Defenceman

Brooks Bandits

AJHL

21

40

Jaret Anderson-Dolan

Center

Spokane Chiefs

WHL

35

45

Ian Mitchell

Defenceman

Spruce Grove Saints

AJHL

52

70

Lane Zablocki

Right Wing

Red Deer Rebels

WHL

55

63

Mason Shaw

Center

Medicine Hat Tigers

WHL

56

58

Kyle Olson

Right Wing

Tri-City Americans

WHL

70

138

Tyler Steenbergen

Center

Swift Current Broncos

WHL

86

87

Ryan Peckford

Left Wing

Victoria Royals

WHL

128

129

Kale Howarth

Left Wing

Trail Smoke Eaters

BCHL

132

141

Ethan McIndoe

Left Wing

Spokane Chiefs

WHL

133

130

Brett Leason

Center

Tri-City Americans

WHL

135

110

Dylan Plouffe

Defenceman

Vancouver Giants

WHL

147

120

BraydenGorda

Defenceman

Edmonton Oil Kings

WHL

153

-

Dakota Krebs

Defenceman

Tri-City Americans

WHL

169

177

Ryan Hughes

Center

Portland Winterhawks

WHL

176

-

Skyler McKenzie

Left Wing

Portland Winterhawks

187

175

Brayden Burke

Left Wing

Moose Jaw Warriors

WHL

202

152

Zackary Hayes

Defenceman

Price Albert Raiders

WHL

205

163

Josh Patterson

Center

Saskatoon Blades

WHL

210

134

Matthew Wedman

Center

Seattle Thunderbirds

WHL

North American Goalies

Final Rank

Midterm Rank

Player

Position

Last Amateur Club

League

3

2

Ian Scott

Goalie

Prince Albert Raiders

WHL

5

9

Stuart Skinner

Goalie

Lethbridge Hurricanes

WHL

25

31

Dawson Weatherill

Goalie

Spokane Chiefs

WHL

29

24

Matthew Murray

Goalie

Fargo

USHL

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

As Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team begins to assemble, three former Team Alberta players are among the first six players to join the team roster.

Jaret Anderson-Dolan, Ian Mitchell, and Ian Scott will head to Etobicoke, Ontario, for two pre-competition games in preparation of the 2017 IIHF U18 World Championship, which runs April 13-23 in Poprad and Spisska Nova Ves, Slovakia.

Another Team Alberta alumnus, Ty Smith, is one of the six under-aged players invited to take part in order to gain more international experience.

All four players were a part of the Team Alberta squad that won silver at the 2015 Canada Winter Games. Smith, who played in the Canada Winter Games as an under-age player, also won gold with Team Alberta at the 2015 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

Kezama netted the double-overtime winner for the Panadas, while Poznikoff, who was recently named to the Canada West All-Star team, was named one of the tournament all-stars.

Head Coach Howie Draper, Assistant Coach Leah Copeland, and Equipment Manager Wes Nystrom were also previously involved with the Team Alberta program.

About the Team Alberta U18 Female Program

The High Performance U18 program works towards identifying the top 20 female players in Alberta, who will comprise Team Alberta U18 representing the province at the National Women’s Under 18 Championship or the Canada Winter Games. Making this team is the pinnacle of female amateur hockey in Alberta, and a major lifetime highlight for the players.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

Two outstanding young Albertans are on their way to take part in the 2017 International Ice Hockey Federation’s Global Girls Hockey Game in Toronto.

Samantha Boutin of St. Albert and Jasmine Rodak of Calgary were selected out of more than 25 applicants to attend the international event. Two female hockey players from each province are headed to the Global Game, which will see 37 IIHF member organizations hold events across the globe this weekend.

Boutin is a 14 year-old forward with the St. Albert Bantam A Blades.

“I am so excited to be a part of the Global Girls Hockey Game in Toronto, playing in a game like this gives me the opportunity to meet with other girls from across the country to play a game that we all love,” she said. “Hopefully we can all make some amazing long-lasting friendships as we get to experience this opportunity of a lifetime. Being one of two players selected from the province is a huge honour for me and I can’t wait to represent Hockey Alberta in Toronto.”

“Hockey is my escape from the pressures that come with being a teen today... no social media, no boys, just me and my skates. There is nowhere that I am happier than on the ice with my teammates. My family, my coaches, and the community have made sacrifices for myself and others to be able to play this game.”

In addition to her hockey activities, Boutin is an active volunteer in her community. She helps out at a senior centre and her school, and also helped prepare a meal and serve it at the Mustard Seed in Edmonton.

Rodak, also 14, is currently a goaltender for the Bantam A Hawks in Calgary.

“I am very excited to be a part of the second annual Global Game,” she said. “Hockey to me isn’t just a game, it’s about making lifelong friendships and having fun. Some of my strongest friendships have been made in my early years of Novice and Atom hockey and have continued into Bantam girls hockey. I’ve been so lucky to be playing with such amazing teammates and coaches who have helped me grow and develop my hockey game and life in general. I can’t wait for the amazing experiences and many lifelong memories that I will make at the Global Game 2017.”

Photo credit: J. Ashley Nixon Photography

Rodak also believes in giving back to the community, volunteering as a Goalie Mentor for two female goalies in the Crowfoot association in Calgary.

About the Global Game

The Ontario Women’s Hockey Association, in partnership with Hockey Canada and the International Ice Hockey Federation, is hosting the Global Game February 18-19 in Toronto. The Global Game embodies the spirit of enjoyment, teamwork, and collaborating with those from diverse backgrounds. This unique game starts on Saturday and will be played in 28 different countries before being handed off to Canada to play the final segment of the game. A cumulative score is kept across all 28 countries between Team White and Team Blue with a winner being declared after the Canadian portion of the game. The goal this game is to unite all females currently playing hockey as one global family.

Two teams comprised of participants from across Canada will compete for Team White and Team Blue in the Canadian portion of the Global Game. Alberta selected two players - one forward and one goaltender - to represent the province at this event. Participants spend the weekend in Toronto participating in skills clinics, listening to guest speakers, visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame, as well as participating in the main event, the Global Game.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

RED DEER – NHL Central Scouting has released its midterm rankings for the 2017 NHL draft, with 24 Albertans on the list.

CaleMakar (Brooks Bandits, AJHL) is the highest-ranked Albertan, coming it at number 10. Jaret-Anderson Dolan (Spokane Chiefs, WHL) and Ian Mitchell (Spruce Grove Saints, AJHL) also cracked the top 50, sitting at number 40 and 45, respectively.

A total of 19 Albertans made NHL Central Scouting’s list of top-ranked North American skaters, while three netminders are among the top 31 North American goaltenders, with Ian Scott (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL) leading the way as the second highest-ranked goaltender.

The full list of Albertans appearing in the NHL Central Scouting midterm rankings can be found below:

North American Skaters

Midterm Rank

Player

Position

Last Amateur Club

League

10

CaleMakar

Defenceman

Brooks Bandits

AJHL

40

Jaret Anderson-Dolan

Center

Spokane Chiefs

WHL

45

Ian Mitchell

Defenceman

Spruce Grove Saints

AJHL

58

Kyle Olson

Right Wing

Tri-City Americans

WHL

63

Mason Shaw

Center

Medicine Hat Tigers

WHL

70

Lane Zablocki

Right Wing

Red Deer Rebels

WHL

87

Ryan Peckford

Left Wing

Victoria Royals

WHL

110

Dylan Plouffe

Defenceman

Vancouver Giants

WHL

120

BraydenGorda

Defenceman

Edmonton Oil Kings

WHL

129

Kale Howarth

Left Wing

Trail Smoke Eaters

BCHL

130

Brett Leason

Center

Tri-City Americans

WHL

134

Matthew Wedman

Center

Seattle Thunderbirds

WHL

138

Tyler Steenbergen

Center

Swift Current Broncos

WHL

141

Ethan Mcindoe

Left Wing

Spokane Chiefs

WHL

152

Zackary Hayes

Defenceman

Prince Albert Raiders

WHL

163

Josh Patterson

Center

Saskatoon Blades

WHL

175

Brayden Burke

Left Wing

Moose Jaw Warriors

WHL

177

Ryan Hughes

Center

Portland Winterhawks

WHL

212

BrinsonPasichnuk

Defenceman

Arizona State

ACHA

213

Jarrod Gourley

Defenceman

Spruce Grove Saints

AJHL

North American Goalies

Midterm Rank

Player

Position

Last Amateur Club

League

2

Ian Scott

Goalie

Prince Albert Raiders

WHL

9

Stuart Skinner

Goalie

Lethbridge Hurricanes

WHL

24

Matthew Murray

Goalie

Fargo

USHL

31

Dawson Weatherill

Goalie

Spokane Chiefs

WHL

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

New look(s) for Hockey Alberta

In fact, it was a very busy year on the technology front, with the unveiling of the new Provincial Championships sites (haprovincials.ca), the Alberta Cup site (abcup.ca), and the transition of the Hockey Alberta Foundation website (hockeyalbertafoundation.ca) back to the Hockey Alberta platform.

Then, in August, Hockey Alberta proudly announced a new visual identity, unveiling a new logo that combines a number of elements that focus on how to best represent hockey in Alberta.

Team Alberta finds the podium

2016 was another successful year for Hockey Alberta’s Team Alberta program, with medals in three different inter-provincial events.

Team Alberta U16 Male continued its winning ways at the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup in October, earning its third-straight gold medal, and fifth in the tournament’s six-year history. Click here for the full story.

Team Alberta North came out of the 2016 Arctic Winter Games in March with a gold medal on the male side, and a silver medal on the female. Click here for the full story.

At the Alberta Winter Games in Medicine Hat in February, it was Zone 6 Male (Edmonton) and Zone 5 Female (Yellowhead/Blackgold) skating away with gold medals, proving to be the best in the province. Click here for the full story.

The March to a title

The 2016 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, presented by ATB Financial, saw 39 different battles for provincial supremacy from Atom to Senior. Provincials were hosted across the Alberta as far north as High Level, and as far south as Taber. The annual “March to a title” is always a high point for minor hockey across Alberta, and 2016 marked the first year with ATB Financial as presenting sponsor.

30 years of the Alberta Cup

Despite trailing 2-0 and 3-2 at different points in the game, Calgary South used a six goal third period to defeat Northeast 9-3 to capture the 2016 Alberta Cup. The win is an extra-special one for Calgary South Head Coach Jamie Steer, as he won the first ever Alberta Cup as a player with Calgary South in 1986, a story-book ending to the celebration of 30 years of the Alberta Cup.

Alberta’s players and officials continue to excel

2016 was a banner year for Alberta players and officials, achieving a number of accolades and recognition.

For the first time since 1993, Alberta players were selected 1-2-3 in the WHL Bantam Draft. Peyton Krebs of Okotoks was taken first overall by the Kootenay Ice, with Fort Saskatchewan native Kirby Dach and Cochrane’s Bowen Byram going second and third to the Saskatoon Blades and Vancouver Giants, respectively. In total, 73 players from Alberta were selected in the 2016 draft. Click here for the full story.

At the 2016 NHL draft, 16 Albertans heard their names called by an NHL team. Jake Bean was the highest-drafted Albertan, going 13th overall to the Carolina Hurricanes. Team Alberta alumnus Sam Steel also went in the first round, as the Anaheim Ducks selected him with the 30th pick. Click here for the full story.

“Do what’s best for the children in your Minor Hockey Association”

At Hockey Alberta’s Hockey Conference and Annual General Meeting in June, keynote speaker, Dr. Stephen Norris, delivered a powerful message about doing what’s best for children in minor hockey. Following the keynote presentation, Norris was joined in a round-table panel discussion by Keith Hansen, retired volleyball coach at Red Deer College and member of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame; Lyn Radford, Board Chair, 2019 Canada Winter Games; and Rob Litwinski, Chief Executive Officer, Hockey Alberta.

Albertans get the call to The Hall

Five outstanding individuals and one team were enshrined in the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame in July, including former Boston Bruins legend and Hockey Hall of Fame member Johnny Bucyk.

Joining Bucyk in the class of 2016 was Mike Rogers (retired NHL and WHA player, and former Calgary Flames broadcaster), Dr. George Kingston (internationally-renowned coach), Terry Ledingham (long-time Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada volunteer), the 1965-66 champion Edmonton Oil Kings, and Larry Kwong, the first player of Asian descent to play in the NHL. Click here for the full story.

In February, Female Hockey Builder Shirley Cameron was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. The Edmonton native was at the forefront of women’s ice hockey in Canada for 30 years as a player, coach and builder from the early 1970s until her retirement from the game in 2006. Click here for the full story.

Continued growth of the Initiation Program

Hockey Alberta’s Initiation Program continued to grow in 2016, with enhanced focus on our game’s youngest players.

A partnership with Pembina Pipeline Corporation offered a special grant to Minor Hockey Associations to obtain a full set of foam rink dividers, or fundraising towards a set of puck board rink dividers. The response was overwhelming, with nearly 60 minor hockey associations across Alberta applying to receive ice dividers. And Pembina responded by ensuring that every eligible applicant had a set of divider boards in place for the 2016-17 season. Click here for the full story.

In August, Hockey Alberta partnered with Powerscout Hockey and St. Albert Minor Hockey to conduct a study on the effectiveness of smaller ice surfaces in skill development. Results reinforced that using a smaller ice surface at the Initiation level helps in the overall positive development of skating skills and skating acceleration for our youngest players, thereby better preparing them for when they are old enough to move to higher levels of hockey. To read more about the findings from this study, click here.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

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The SPMHA Atom A Jets teams volunteered their time at the Edmonton Food Bank to help sort food donations, just one of the many stories of how Alberta’s hockey community gives back during the holiday season.

Alberta’s hockey community is always at its best during the holiday season, and we’ve asked Minor Hockey Associations and teams from across Alberta to share their stories of giving back to the community with us.

McKnight Mustangs

The Calgary McKnight Mustangs Atom 4 Black team raised a total of $175 for Ronald McDonald House at the team’s Christmas party. The team’s co-managers are nurses, and the team wanted to give back to other kids in the community, kids who could possibly be playing hockey with them if they weren’t sick. The team fashioned the “McKnight Christmas Cup”, which was filled with candy. Each guess cost $1 on the number of pieces of candy in the cup. There were 454 pieces, and defenceman Josh Penner had the closest guess at 450. In the spirit of the night, he shared his prize with his teammates.

AirdrieMHA

Airdrie Minor Hockey Association’s main Christmas initiative for 8 years running has been to support the Airdrie Lioness Hamper Program by collecting much needed items. This year, we collected scarves, mittens and toques over the course of a weekend.

We also have a Hockey Fights Hunger campaign that goes for two weeks. Each division is given a large moving box in the lobby of the arena and the division that fills their box the most times, becomes the Hockey Fights Hunger champions for that season. This year, the champions were the Peewee Division. It’s always a different division each year, so everyone gets very involved.

Teams invite their out-of-town competitors to join the fun, and this year a Peewee team from Okotoks won a friendly competition and collected the most food between the two teams, forcing the Airdrie Peewee Ruff Dogs to do the chicken dance at center ice.

AMHA teams have also collected Turkeys for the Food bank (Midget AA Female and Atom Female) and donated toys to the Children’s Hospital.

In general this season, we have seen the most contributions and the most participation and as usual we are so proud of our teams on and off the ice.

Calgary Midget AAA Fire

The Calgary Fire Midget AAA Fire got together to fill, and deliver warm sock to the Mustard Seed Foundation.

ClaresholmMHA & Pincher Creek MHA

The Claresholm and Pincher Creek Bantam teams are banding together this Friday (December 23) for the last game of 2016 and charging an admission of a food bank item to donate to those less fortunate during the Holiday Season. The game starts at 7:45 on Friday and we are hoping to fill the stands.

CNN Spurs

The CNN Spurs families gave back to the Bon Accord and Gibbons Food Bank. Each level decorated a tree at the annual fundraiser with high-demand donation items. Making spirits bright… Go Spurs!

Cold Lake Hornets

Cold Lake’s Novice 3 team, the Hornets, spent two hours on Dec 10th braving the cold to help out with the annual Fill-a-Bus campaign, raising donations for the local food bank. Led by Coach Robyn Stenz, the Hornets brought with them 274 kg (604 lbs) of items to donate, and helped to collect much, much more from Sobey’s patrons.

The Hornets had a great turn out with 14 team members, as well as coaches, managers and parents!

Duchess Minor Hockey

Duchess Minor Hockey hosted "Hockey Day in Duchess" where all 6 of our teams from Initiation up to Midget played back-to-back. We collected for our local food bank, as well as toys to be donated at Christmas to families in need through a local organization - Oil People Helping Oil People (OPHOP). All 6 teams also donated their 50/50 proceeds from the day and a silent auction to OPHOP. Many people from the community came for the day and the visiting teams donated as well.

Grande Prairie MHA

Last Friday, the Grande Prairie Minhas Brothers Peewee AA team hosted a sponsorship night to show how grateful our team is for the community support we have received and also to show our hockey family how we have been busy giving back to our wonderful city of Grande Prairie. In the past two weeks our team volunteered for the Salvation Army Christmas Kettles, Did a food bank drive and had time to send a Christmas Card to a 9 year old little girl on the other side of the country asking in the news for Christmas Cards to lift her spirits with her ongoing battle with cancer.

My son Lucas and I recently went to Africa as part of a giving back initiative. Our Peewee hockey team filled a hockey bag of mini sticks and balls that we took with us. When my son and I were visiting an orphanage he went out into the middle of the field and taught about 40 kids how to play with a hockey stick. The children were very intrigued and even though there was no common language it was amazing to watch them play. This particular village in rural Uganda now has about 70 mini sticks and enough balls for their school to use this for phys ed class.

Each year, the Grande Prairie Salvation Army helps families who are in need. The Grande Prairie Bantam A team volunteered to help organize all of their gift bags the night before they were to distribute them.

It was overwhelming to see just how many unfortunate families there are in our community. The boys organized of 600 bags with smiles on their faces.

Grande Prairie Midget AAA Storm

The Grande Prairie Midget AAA Storm collected two bins filled with food donations at their game this past weekend for the Salvation Army Food Bank. Also collected were gift cards, which will be donated to local youths in need.

Lakeland College Bantam Tigers

Last week, our team of 13-14 year old boys went carolling at our local Nursing Home, Seniors Lodge and some downtown businesses to spread some Christmas Cheer. We wanted to do some community activities and chose to visit three different Senior residences to sing some Christmas carols and brighten their evening. We were rewarded with smiles from residents and staff, some of them singing along with us, and plenty of warm wishes and thanks for our time. It was good for the boys to share these moments - the seniors appreciated their efforts, it was fun for all of us.

Lethbridge City League

The Pee Wee Division in the Lethbridge City League was challenged on the weekend to fill several food bins for the Lethbridge Food Bank Society. Six games were held over the weekend and the teams were able to gather over 300lbs of donated food. Thanks to the Milestone Mazda Bandits for organizing and all teams that helped with this project.

Medicine Hat MHA

The Atom Wildcat girls gathered to have a Secret Santa gift exchange as well as collect and donate items for the Women’s Shelter. We are encouraging these young ladies to be a community on and off the ice.

On December 8th, the Medicine Hat Minor Hockey Atom A Hurricanes and Senators hosted a WHL inspired "teddy bear toss" exhibition game. When the first goal was scored, approximately 150 bears came tumbling onto the ice. The bears were collected and held by the parents and coaches until Saturday December 17. On this day, both teams met at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital with all the bears. The players then went through four wings of the hospital and handed the bears out to patients of all ages on behalf of Medicine Hat Minor Hockey. The reaction from the patients was amazing and they were very appreciative. It was also, amazing to see how the kids responded when handing the bears out and wishing people, whom they do not know, a "Merry Christmas" and "hope you feel better soon".

The Peewee Hounds Black team rang bells and collected donations for the Salvation Army on December 7.

The Peewee Hounds Orange team also rang bells and collected donations for the Salvation Army, on December 9.

The Peewee City Flames bought and donated gifts for the United Way Toy Drive on December 17.

The SEAC Midget 15’s collected food donations for the Brooks Food Bank Foundation and the Medicine Hat & Disctrict Food Bank Association at their home games on December 17 & 18. The players are also working with the United Way to help prepare food hampers.

Sherwood Park MHA

The SPMHA Atom A Jets teams volunteered their time at the Edmonton Food Bank to help sort food donations.

Spruce Grove Peewee AA Broncos

The Spruce Grove Peewee AA Broncos donated and did a food and toy drive to support the Spruce Grove Kinettes Christmas Hamper Program. The team raised over $350 and had a truck full of food and toys.

West Central Bantam AA Tigers

The West Central Bantam AA Tigers, Foothill Bisons and all the West Central home community supporters at a home game on Saturday December 3, participated in a Teddy Bear/Gift Card Toss. We raised over $500 in gift cards/cash and 102 Teddy Bears were tossed! A special thank you to the Foothills Bisons for helping support and participate in this event as well- both teams were on the ice for this event and it was a special moment to see!

The gift cards and teddy bears were distributed throughout local charities in Sylvan Lake, Bentley, Rimbey, Eckville, Spruceview, Caroline, Rocky Mountain House and Red Deer. The Tiger players hand delivered to each community group.

Also, some of our boys have helped and volunteered in community Canskate programs as Program Assistants in Rimbey, AB.

If you’d like to share a story of your team or association giving back, please email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

REGINA – This year’s National Women’s U18 Championships will be a blast from the past for a trio of Team Alberta coaches.

Head Coach Carla MacLeod, Assistant Coach CasseaSchols, and Goalie/Video Coach Amanda Tapp come into the tournament sharing the same distinction – coaching the team they once suited up for.

Having represented Team Alberta twice at the Canada Winter Games in 1995 (as a 12 year-old) and in 1999, MacLeod says it’s an honour to return to her roots.

“It’s pretty awesome, actually,” she said. “You know, you look back on your ‘good old days,’ and obviously, having an opportunity to play for Team Alberta was a major step in my career when I was a younger player, and memorable. So, to fast forward here and to have the opportunity to work with the young players here in Alberta and to be a part of Team Alberta again, it’s very special.”

Along with her Team Alberta experience, MacLeod brings a winning pedigree to the program, with numerous international medals to her name as a member of Team Canada, most notably back-to-back Olympic gold medals in 2006 and 2010.

“I think what you learn from sports, regardless of what level you play, is that the values of sport are what matter, and that’s making sure you’re a good teammate and taking care of the people around you,” MacLeod said. “Of course these girls have dreams about winning Nationals, and we’re going to do everything we can to help them reach those dreams, without a doubt, but I think ensuring that the experience we provide them is a positive one is what’s most critical.”

For Tapp, 2016 will mark her fourth year as part of the Team Alberta staff, and the second straight year coaching alongside MacLeod, her teammate at the 1999 Canada Winter Games.

Tapp says, whether it’s on the ice or behind the bench, representing her province never gets old.

“It has been an absolute privilege every single time I’ve been asked to represent Team Alberta,” Tapp said. “I still remember the first time I had the honour of putting on the (Team Alberta) jersey and taking to the ice alongside the very best players in our province. For most of us, the U-18 National Championships was our first taste of high performance hockey at its best, both on and off the ice. Hockey Alberta has given me many opportunities to study the sport and receive mentorship from the best in the game. I will forever be in debt to Hockey Alberta for all it has done for me, both as a player and coach. ”

A member of Team Alberta at the 2007 Canada Winter Games, Schols is set to make her coaching debut for the program she attributes a large part of her success to.

“To give back to the program that helped me grow into the person that I am and the hockey player that I was has been the greatest honour,” Schols said. “Hockey Alberta and all of the coaches that have come through the program devote so much of their time and energy to each and every player to make sure they achieve their best, and after coming up through the program, I wanted to be a coach that gave the same time and devotion that was given to me.”

While the entire Team Alberta staff brings a wealth of knowledge from all sides of the game, MacLeod says the trio of Team Alberta alumnae can bring their personal experience to the program.

“Our whole staff is awesome, and really dedicated, and certainly for Amanda, Cassea and myself, we get to relive our glory days a little more - we keep bringing them up anyways. We all thought we were hot stuff back in the day, so it makes for some good laughs,” MacLeod said. “There’s an ownership to the program, in a sense, because we took pride in it as a player, and certainly as a coach, you want to do right by Hockey Alberta and Team Alberta, and what that program has done for us. I think for the three of us, it’s a unique opportunity; it’s a special occasion for us. It’s not the main focus, by any means, but every once in a while we take the time to appreciate where we’re at and the opportunity we’ve been given.”

Team Alberta opens the National Women’s U18 Championships Wednesday at noon against Team Quebec. For a full schedule, and more information on the U18 Nationals, click here.

Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.

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Team Alberta forward Carson Dyck, with his father Mike, a former Team Alberta Head Coach.

“It’s pretty cool,” said Carson. “I try to follow in his footsteps a lot; he’s a big influence in my life. He knows a lot about this kind of stuff, obviously has great knowledge, so I look to him for a lot of advice.”

The Dyck family hails from Lethbridge, where Carson, a 2016 second-round pick of the Swift Current Broncos, currently plays for the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Alberta Minor Midget AAA Hockey League.

“I was really happy for him, I was proud of him,” Mike said of Carson being named to Team Alberta. “Having this experience a couple of years ago, I’m obviously very excited for him that he gets to experience playing for his province, and playing in a competition like this is only going to make him a better hockey player, and a better person.”

Mike came into his role with Team Alberta in 2015 with a lofty coaching pedigree, spending 11 years coaching in the Western Hockey League – three of those as the head coach of the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Mike definitely left a lasting impression on the Team Alberta program.

“In his time with Team Alberta, Mike led with passion, integrity and professionalism, displaying the Alberta Built characteristics to the highest regard,” said Tim Leer, the Director of Operations for Team Alberta at the 2015 Canada Winter Games. “He came into a Team Alberta program that already had a strong foundation, and he built on it, raising the bar for those to follow. The staff and players from that team still talk about their experience at the Canada Winter Games, and that is a testament to Mike’s leadership.”

Given his dad’s track record with Team Alberta, Carson definitely felt a bit of pressure during the entire evaluation process, and heading into the U16 Challenge.

“He left some pretty big shoes to fill, he had a lot of success with Team Alberta,” he said. “But it feels good with him watching, because he can give me lots of advice after the games.”

Mike, who made the trip north to Calgary to watch his son compete with Team Alberta, said he’ll be taking in the competition from the perspective of both a former coach, and a parent.

“Normally I enjoy watching the game, and obviously watching both teams, and watching how coaches respond to one another,” he said. “But obviously, now I have a vested interest. I’m always cheering for Team Alberta, but now with my son playing, it’s way more of a fan-feel for me now, that’s for sure.”

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email info@hockeyalberta.ca.